Art Life Plan Podcast

No ideas? In this episode, I’m walking through what that looks like for me and how I find my way back into the work without overcomplicating it.

What do you actually want from your art business?In this episode, I’m talking through how I’ve been rethinking mine… what I’m building, what I’m letting go of, and how to shape your work so it actually supports your life, not just your output.If things feel a little off even when they’re going “well,” this is a good moment to pause and check in.

At some point, sharing your work can start to feel like a performance. In this episode, I talk through why that happens and how you can shift it so it feels more like documenting your process instead of presenting it. If posting your work has been feeling heavier than it should, this is a way to rethink it.

The same ideas keep showing up in your notebooks for a reason. In this episode, we talk about the creative list loop, why it happens, and how to take one idea off the page and actually try it without overcomplicating the process.

There’s a point where your taste shifts and suddenly your work doesn’t feel like it’s keeping up. In this episode, I talk through that gap between what you can see and what you can make, why it happens, and how to work through it without spiraling or shutting down.Ira Glass on CreativitySay hi on instagram or visit the website

We all have that pile of work that we don’t like…but also can’t throw away. In this episode, I talk through why that happens and what you can actually do with those pieces instead of letting them sit there. If you’ve been holding onto work that feels unfinished or off, this is a way to start looking at it differently.

There’s a point where selling your work starts to feel like it’s pulling you away from actually making it. In this episode, I talk through why that happens, why it’s not a personal failure, and how you can start to separate those two modes so they don’t compete with each other. If selling has been feeling heavy or off lately, this is a gentle reset.

A lot of artists feel comfortable making their work… but the moment it’s time to write about it, everything suddenly feels harder. The piece is finished, the photo is ready, and then you open Instagram and that blank caption box just sits there staring at you.In this episode, I’m talking about why that happens and why it’s actually really common for artists who think visually. Most of us are thinking constantly while we work, but those thoughts don’t always show up as neat sentences. Translating visual thinking into words can feel awkward, exposed, or like you’re suddenly performing instead of just sharing your work.Writing about your work doesn’t have to feel like a separate skill you need to master. It can simply be another way of staying connected to your practice.Question for the week:When you look back at the last piece you made, what is one small moment from the process that you could put into words?Say hi on instagram @cookiereddingart

At a certain point in your art life, experimentation starts to change. In the beginning it often means trying everything. Over time it becomes more intentional. In this episode I talk about what that next stage can look like, from working with constraints to experimenting with your process instead of just materials. If your work has been feeling a little restless lately, this might be a sign that your experimentation is ready to shift too.

How tightly are you holding your ideas right now? In this episode, I talk through the different ways artists work with ideas, from research-heavy planning to letting meaning emerge through making. We’ll look at how parameters form, why ideas are allowed to change, and how paying attention to your own process can bring more clarity than trying to get everything right at the start. This one’s about staying in conversation with your work and noticing what it needs from you right now.

Still trying to figure out your artistic style and wondering why it hasn’t “clicked” yet? In this episode, we talk about what style actually is, why it rarely shows up all at once, and how it quietly forms while you’re already doing the work. This isn’t about forcing a look or chasing visual consistency for social media. It’s about paying attention to patterns, process, and the decisions you make over time. If you’ve been questioning your style or feeling like it should be clearer by now, this episode is a reminder that clarity comes from working, not waiting.Reflection prompts:What shows up more than once, even when you weren’t trying to repeat yourself? What decisions feel familiar across different pieces? What parts of the work feel like they belong together, even if the surface details change?

Pausing can feel risky when you’re a creative person. It can feel like losing momentum or falling behind. In this episode, I talk about why pauses aren’t a failure or a lack of motivation, but a necessary part of how creative work actually functions. We look at what a pause can really look like, why creativity doesn’t disappear when you slow down, and how stepping back can quietly change your relationship with your work. If you’ve been feeling tired, stuck, or pressured to keep producing, this one’s for you.

If you’ve ever felt behind as an artist or like your path doesn’t look the way it’s “supposed” to, this episode is for you. We talk about why most creative lives aren’t linear, how detours and pauses are part of the process, and why progress isn’t always visible from the outside.This is a grounding conversation about letting go of comparison, moving at a pace that fits your real life, and trusting that your timeline doesn’t have to match anyone else’s to be valid.

We made it to February! So, January was a bit of a slog (mostly thanks to snow, also thanks to some burnout) and now there's some action in the studio. In this episode, I chat about processes (and being ok with yours!) as well as .... what to do about selling our art? (or better...when should we sell our art?)Visit me on the website or on instagram.

It's still quiet in my art studio but....things are brewing. I sense a new series is coming and I've been having some fun with the "fig tree" challenge linked below. Ellbat: I have 365 Days to change my life (first video)and her video that follows the above on the system.

It's a quick catch up episode on my week 1 on my self-imposed creative sabbatical. How has your first "official" post-holiday week been for your creative practice?

New year…new creative year. In this episode, I’m talking about where I’m actually at right now in my process, what’s feeling real, what’s feeling messy, and what I’m carrying into this next season. No resolutions. No pressure to reinvent myself. Just an honest check in on energy, time, capacity, and the kind of creative rhythm I want this year. Did you make a resolution? Do tell!The chat on Stefan Sagmeisters creative sabbaticals: https://timesensitive.fm/episode/graphic-designer-stefan-sagmeister-sabbatical/My article on substack: https://substack.com/home/post/p-183245977

Not financial. Emotional. In this episode, we do an emotional budget review of the year. What drained you more than it was worth. What refilled you that you didn’t protect enough. Where your creative energy really went. A simple reflection that helps you reset without shame and choose one small change for the next season.

This episode sits right in that in-between space ...the moment where one creative year is closing and another hasn’t quite begun yet. We’re talking about thresholds… standing between two doors, one behind you and one ahead, and deciding what you want to leave behind and what you’re ready to carry forward.It’s not about setting resolutions or having everything figured out. It’s about pausing long enough to notice what no longer fits, what still feels alive, and how you want to step into what’s next. If you’re feeling reflective, a little uncertain, or quietly ready for a shift, this episode is for you.

In this episode we look back at your creative year by listening to what your work has been trying to tell you. I walk you through simple ways to review your art, notice patterns, pay attention to what kept showing up, and see where you felt most alive in your practice. If you are craving a gentler year in review for your creative life without pressure or perfection, this reflection is for you.

Today we’re talking about what it really means to close your creative year on purpose. In this episode I walk you through simple ways to mark the end of this season in your art life… tidying your studio, choosing a “year’s piece,” letting go of unfinished projects, and naming what this year felt like in your practice. If you’re craving a gentle end of year reset for your creativity without pressure or perfection, this one is for you.

This episode explores the value of unfinished art and why not every piece needs to be complete. We talk about how half-finished work can spark new ideas, support experimentation, and reveal deeper patterns in your creative process. If you struggle with unfinished projects or feel pressure to complete everything you start, this conversation will help you see your creative practice with more clarity and kindness.

Ever find yourself half-painting, half-emailing, half-scrolling, and wondering why your brain feels fried? Yeah… same. In this episode, we’re talking about single-tasking and giving one creative thing your full attention. It’s not about being perfect or disciplined; it’s about slowing down enough to actually enjoy what you’re making. We’ll dig into what happens when you stop trying to do it all at once and just make one thing, start to finish, without splitting your focus.

What happens when you let yourself sit in the blank space...before the idea, before the plan, before the work even begins? In this episode, we’re talking about the void: that quiet, sometimes uncomfortable space where creativity starts to take shape. It’s not about forcing inspiration but learning to listen to what shows up when everything else goes still.We’ll dig into why pauses matter, how to get comfortable with not knowing, and how that empty space can become the most honest part of your process.Visit: artlifeplan.com or follow on instagram @cookiereddingart

Welcome to NOvember. A month of choosing less so you can create more. In this episode, I talk about what happens when we stop saying yes to everything and start protecting our creative energy instead. It’s not about quitting or ghosting. It’s about clarity, boundaries, and making space for the work that matters. Let’s explore what shifts when you start saying no on purpose.

Life gets loud. Art can help you slow down. In this episode, we talk about using your creative time as a breathing space… a way to reset, refocus, and feel more like yourself again. You do not need hours or the perfect setup. Just a few minutes of making can bring a little calm back into your day.Sign up for the newsletter at: https://www.cookieredding.com/newsletterSay hi on instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cookiereddingart/

In this episode, we talk about slowing down. Not because you have to, but because your work deserves the time to become what it’s meant to be. “Slow Creation” is about learning to enjoy the pace of your own process instead of rushing to keep up with the world. We’ll explore what it really means to give your art breathing room, how to sit with unfinished work, and why slower projects often become the ones that stay with you the longest.Whether you’re in the middle of a piece that’s taking its time or just need a reminder that art doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningful, this episode is here to help you reconnect with your process and trust your own timing.

In this episode of Art Life Plan, we’re talking about what happens when you try to plan your creativity a little too much. Every artist I know works differently. Some dive in with no plan at all and others can’t start until every detail is mapped out. Most of us live somewhere in between. I’ve been thinking a lot about how planning can help but also how it can get in the way. When does structure give you clarity and when does it start to drain the life out of your work? We’ll look at how to stay open to surprise, how to notice when your plan is holding you back, and what it feels like to let your process lead again.

What if you stopped worrying about how it all turns out? In this episode, we’re talking about what happens when you stop gripping your work so tightly and start trusting the process again. Letting go of outcomes doesn’t mean you don’t care...it means you make space for your art to surprise you. We’ll talk about the freedom that comes from releasing expectations, the calm that shows up when you stop chasing perfection, and how to create because it feels right, not because it has to prove anything.It’s about loosening your hold… and letting the work lead for a while.

We don’t always get long studio days, but creativity can still thrive in the small windows of time that life gives us. In this episode, I talk about how to keep your practice alive in the margins, why those short bursts matter, and how they help you stay connected to your art even in the busiest seasons.

As artists we live in the tension between solitude and community. We need time alone to focus and hear our own ideas, but we also need the support and connection of others who understand what it means to build a creative life. In this episode I talk about how those two sides can work together instead of pulling us apart.

What stories do you tell yourself about your art? In this episode, I talk about the self-narratives that shape your creative life and how to start rewriting them so they leave more room for possibility.

Your art changes as you do. In this episode of Art Life Plan, I’m talking about how creativity shifts during life transitions...moves, new jobs, parenthood, loss, retirement, or any of the big moments that rearrange your world. Your themes, your pace, even your medium can evolve right alongside you, and that’s not a setback, it’s growth.

Every artist has subjects, moods, or ideas they avoid. Maybe they feel too personal, too intimidating, or just not like “you.” In this episode, I’m talking about what I call your art’s shadow side...the parts of yourself you keep out of your work, often without realizing it. We’ll look at why avoidance happens, how to notice it in your own practice, and practical ways to explore those themes without pressure. Stepping into your shadow side can open new creative possibilities, make your work feel more honest, and strengthen your resilience as an artist.

In this episode, I sit down with artist Alice Sheridan for a conversation about art, process, and the importance of community. Alice shares insights into her own creative practice and we talk about her Connected Artists group, a space designed to support artists as they grow their work and find connection along the way. If you’ve ever wondered how other artists navigate the balance of making art and staying connected, this episode is for you.Alice's Website and Connect Artist Club information.

In this episode of Art Life Plan, I explore what it means to “listen to the work” and let your art guide you. You’ll learn simple techniques to step back, notice what your piece is asking for, and make stronger, more authentic work by staying open to the process.

What happens when you hit pause on purpose? Not because you’re burned out or stuck, but because you want to see your work differently. In this episode, I talk about what it means to take a real break…the kind that gives your creativity space to breathe instead of shutting it down. I share how I’ve been experimenting with mindful breaks, why they actually build momentum, and why creative play can be one of the best ways to pause without feeling like you’ve abandoned your work. If you’ve been feeling scattered or restless (or guilty about not doing enough) this one’s for you.

This episode is about paying attention to the tools and materials you use every day in your creative work. How do you reach for them? How do you avoid them? And what does that say about your process? I share how my own relationship with materials shifted from “just getting the idea out” to letting the materials themselves shape the work. We’ll talk about habits you might not even notice, why “saving the good paper” can hold you back, and how to reconnect with your tools in small, low-pressure ways. Whether you work with paint, clay, thread, or a digital stylus, this is about noticing how you show up when you createand what opens up when you do.

What happens when you stop focusing on finished pieces and start focusing on the process? In this episode, we explore the idea of art-making as an endless journey where creativity itself is the goal. I share how shifting from outcome-driven work to process-driven practice can open up your studio life, keep your ideas fresh, and help you reconnect with why you started making art in the first place. You’ll also hear practical tips for building a studio habit that values experimentation, play, and creative curiosity over perfection. Perfect for artists looking to recharge, find their flow, and rediscover joy in their work.

Let’s talk about perfection and why it can actually get in the way of making honest work. In this episode, I’m digging into how the little flaws—the things we usually try to hide or fix—are often what make a piece feel alive. I’m sharing some real examples from my own studio, what I’ve noticed in student work over the years, and why chasing polish can flatten your voice. If you’ve ever second-guessed a brushstroke, over-edited a piece, or felt pressure to make things look “right,” this is a reminder that the human parts of your art are often the most powerful.

What does it really mean to make honest work? In this episode, I'm digging into the idea of authenticity in your art practice—how to tell if your work truly reflects where you are, what gets in the way, and what to do when it doesn't feel quite like you. I’ll share thoughts from my own experience in the studio, ideas for checking in with your creative direction, and tips for reconnecting with the kind of work that actually feels right. Whether you're shifting styles, starting fresh, or just questioning what "authentic" even means, this one's for you.

What do artists owe the world… if anything? In this episode, I’m digging into the complicated question of whether artists have a moral or social responsibility when making work. Do you need to speak to current events? Should your art take a stand? Or is it enough to simply create honestly and let the work speak for itself? I’m sharing thoughts from both the studio and the classroom, plus a few practical ways to think through your own creative values and how your work fits into the bigger picture. Whether you’re an artist who likes to respond to the world or one who prefers to stay in your own lane, this one’s for you. Let’s talk about what it really means to make responsible work — on your own terms.

What happens to your art if no one ever sees it? In this episode, I’m talking about the quiet work... the things you make that live in your sketchbooks, your hard drives, or the corner of your studio. We’re digging into whether creativity needs an audience or if the act of making is enough on its own. I’ll share a bit about how I think through this in my own practice and offer some ideas for how you can protect your private work... even while navigating the world of sharing and selling. If you’ve ever felt torn between wanting to be seen and needing space to create just for you... you’re not alone. Let’s talk about it.

What happens when you really show up to your art practice...not just physically, but mentally? In this episode, we talk about how being present in your studio can shift everything. From small rituals to focused attention, this isn’t about productivity... it’s about connection. Whether you’re feeling scattered or just need a reset, this is a reminder that showing up with presence can change how you feel in your work, and about your work.

In this episode of Art Life Plan, we explore how half-formed, vague, or messy ideas can actually lead to powerful creative breakthroughs. Whether you're staring at a sketch you don’t know what to do with or sitting on a sentence that’s been living in your head for months, this is for you. I talk about how I save fragments, how they show up later in my work, and how you can start using your own half-ideas as creative fuel. This one’s for anyone who's ever had a “what even is this?” moment in the studio. Let’s turn those into something real.

The Art of Starting Ugly explores why messy beginnings are not only normal but necessary in creative work. If you've ever frozen at the start of a project because it didn’t feel “good enough,” this episode is for you. I talk about the value of imperfect first drafts, how to move past the pressure to be polished, and ways to build momentum when you feel stuck. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, you’ll find real talk, practical tips, and creative permission to begin… exactly where you are.

Hosted by artist and educator Cookie Redding, this episode of Art Life Plan explores how making art can be a steady act of resistance in a world that often feels overwhelming. Cookie shares real talk about staying creative during heavy times, building a sustainable art practice, and why showing up to your work still matters. Whether you're new to art or deep in your studio life, this conversation invites you to reconnect with your creative process in honest, grounded ways.

Invisible Success: Celebrating the Wins No One SeesIn this episode of Art Life Plan, artist and educator Cookie Redding talks about the creative victories that often go unnoticed...the internal shifts, quiet decisions, and personal growth that fuel a lasting art practice. If you’ve ever felt like your progress doesn’t “count” unless it’s public, this one’s for you. Tune in for a real conversation about what success can look like behind the scenes... and why that matters more than ever.

Letting Go of Outcomes: How Non-Attachment Can Free Your Creative FlowHosted by Cookie Redding, artist, professor, and creator of Art Life Plan, this episode explores how releasing attachment to results can actually unlock more creative momentum. Cookie shares personal studio experiences and actionable ways to reconnect with your art by focusing on the process rather than the outcome. Whether you're feeling creatively blocked or just burned out from always chasing results, this episode offers grounded insight to help you reset. Tune in for real talk on what it means to make work that feels free, open, and present.

Ever feel like your creative time keeps getting pushed to the bottom of your to-do list? In this episode, we talk about how to organize your calendar so studio time isn’t just a nice idea...t’s something that actually happens. No rigid systems or hustle talk here...just real strategies that work for real artists with real lives. Whether you’re juggling a full-time job or trying to focus in an open day, this conversation is about figuring out what works for you and making space for the work that matters.